Brass in Concert: Gala Concert

Grimethorpe Colliery (UK Coal)
Conductor: Steven Mead
Brass Band of Central Florida
Conductor: Michael J. Garasi
Compere: Frank Renton

Saturday evening's concert in front of a near capacity audience turned out to be a real feast of entertainment, with both bands providing an aperitif for the following day whilst signaling their own intentions that they were both out to make a serious mark on the contest.

Not only did Grimethorpe arrive as defending champions, but they must also have still been on an emotional high after winning the Nationals in London, whilst Florida had just won the US Open – their equivalent of Brass in Concert. The promoters World of Brass knew that both bands had the potential to draw the crowds in, but even they would have been delighted with the response from the brass band community in the North East. With the chance to hear fine music and entertainment, the hallmarks of the contest these past thirty years, they turned up in droves and there was but a sprinkling of empty chairs to be seen in the 1700 seater auditorium.

It was the reigning Brass in Concert champions led by Steven Mead who commenced proceedings with the up-tempo ‘Valero' that hit the audience right between the eyes and set the tone for what was to follow.  Smetana's Overture to ‘The Bartered Bride' that was taken at a steadier tempo than some interpretations you might hear, but it still had that authentic rustic bohemian feel with excellent ensemble work and some thrilling soprano cornet work form Kevin Crockford in particular.

Luc Vertommen's tribute to Leonard Bernstein entitled ‘Slava' – the Russian for ‘Glory' featured some fine playing on trombone from Richard Brown in a number that had that touch of American showtime about it, whilst the ‘Song of the Volga Boatmen' featured some wicked squealing cornet playing from Darren Lloyd, sat surreptitiously on 3rd cornet and a fine bit of electric guitar work too.

Grimethorpe featured five soloists on the night. The irrepressible Roger Webster in ‘Concert Etude', which he performed brilliantly even if he did get away from the band in couple of places; Kevin Crockford and Ian Shires in the duet, ‘Pie Jesu' which was also wonderfully played, and Gavin Pritchard who performed his father's composition, ‘Flight of the Comedians' –  which sounded a touch fraught at times. 

Shaun Crowther's persistence to be featured as a soloist finally paid off as he was featured in Elgar Howarth's ‘The Cuckoo', although his fellow colleagues did their best to upstage him. It was a bit of a fore taste of what was to come the next day in fact – a neat and well timed comedy routine.

Howard Snell's ‘The Pines of The Appian Way' was one big tumultuous climax that nearly outdid the halls ability to cope with the sheer sound of the band and with the audience already wanting more, the band obliged with an encore, JJ Richards' ‘Emblem of Unity'.

The appearance of Brass Band of Central Florida at the weekend had been anticipated ever since it was announced in January.  Those present who had seen them in ‘entertainment mode' previously, had an inkling of what to expect, whilst those who hadn't were simply blown away by the standard of performance on show. When it comes to entertainment, BBCF have that X Factor by the bucketload.

‘Fanfare for the Common Man' was a touch scrappy in places, but was a brave choice as an opener for sure and was the aperitif for the band's first soloist, principal trombone player, Herb Bruce who gave a virtuoso performance in James Cheyne's ‘Scherzo for Trombone and Band'. It was certainly different and it gave the audience the first chance to hear a trombone player of rare class and with an eye popping ability to play high.

The quartet of Bob Hinckley, John Copella, Gail Robertson and Kerry Couch changed the mood with ‘The Praye'r from the film, ‘Quest for Camelot' before Florida simply plugged into the electrics and wowed the audience with ‘Sing, Sang, Sung' which was an example of how jazz style music should be played complete with a fantastic percussion section. 

Music from ‘Beauty and the Beast' showcased some fine trombone playing from within the band and this was followed by the MDs fabulous arrangement of ‘Napoli' or more correctly titled, ‘Funiculi, Funiculà Rhapsody', which left the audience drooling for more, and to which the band responded with the obligatory ‘Stars and Stripes Forever' complete with all the razzamatazz you'd expect from any band from the United States.

It left the audience with a huge smile on their faces and a real sense of anticipation for what both bands would do the next day. Both had given top class performances of programmes that were completely different to what they would show off 24 hours later and congratulations should go to both bands for performing to such a high standard. It was a treat that the people of the North East will be talking about for many years to come.

Malcolm Wood

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